"I don't mean that you shall misunderstand me! You attempted to rob this boy a few hours ago."
"I did not rob him. Ask him if I did."
"No; because he was too sharp for you. What is your name?"
"Saul Gridley," answered the tramp, reluctantly.
"How long have you been in this neighborhood?"
"Two days."
"It is not a healthy neighborhood for a man in your line of business. If your attempt at robbery should become known in Campville, you would probably be strung up without delay. However, don't let me interfere with your plans. You want to flog the boy. Well, proceed with your flogging!"
"That was only a joke," said Saul Gridley, beginning to look nervous and apprehensive.
"Then suppose you try to flog me. I offer myself in the place of the boy."
"I don't care to undertake it."